Course Listing

In this course, students explore diverse experiences and forms of dance in the United States through discussion, analysis, writing, and project-based work. The curriculum traces dances of early Indigenous groups and enslaved Africans, as well as minstrelsy and the vaudeville era, examining how these traditions have influenced and continue to shape contemporary culture and dance practices. Students also investigate notable and diverse examples of jazz, ballet, modern, post-modern, and contemporary dance throughout history, situating each form within its cultural, social, and historical context. Continuing this approach, the course deconstructs prevalent contemporary issues in dance related to race, gender, and body image. Throughout the year, students engage with text, film, and live performance. This course meets during the academic day.

(This course may be taken for Performing Arts credit. Open to students in grades 9-12. Full year. ½ credit.)

All students will develop and refine skills in acting, including scene study, voice, improv, and movement. Students will spend each trimester focusing on a different aspect of theatre: acting, playwriting, and directing. Opportunities to learn from and collaborate with outside theatre professionals are offered throughout the year. Themes and plays for the course alternate and cover a wide range of styles and genres, so students may enroll in this course over multiple years in order to develop a deeper knowledge of theatre histories and literature and gain experience as a leader and actor.

(Open to students in grades 10-12, Levels 1, 2, and 3. Full year. ½ credit.).

Chamber Ensembles are open to all students who have a minimum of three years of study on their instrument. All chamber music students must also receive weekly private instruction for their instrument. Chamber Ensemble Groups learn and perform works in a variety of styles, flexibly arranged to accommodate different playing levels and instrumentation. Groups are led by music faculty members, and students may participate in an assigned ensemble (duo, trio, or quartet) or form their own appropriately matched ensemble group, dependent upon performance level and instrument combination. Groups meet once per week at the Dana Hall School of Music. All chamber group members are expected to rehearse on their own at least 60 minutes per week. As a course requirement, chamber ensembles perform together at least one time per academic year, and there are several performance opportunities throughout the year. Students may enroll in this course over multiple years.

(Open to students in grades 9-12. Full year. ½ credit. Additional music tuition charges apply.)

Chamber Singers is an auditioned choral ensemble. The repertoire primarily focuses on a cappella works, both classical and other genres such as pop, folk, jazz, and world music. Extensive focus is given to vocalizations enabling good vocal technique - the ability to sing with pure vowels, legato, using the breath efficiently, mindfulness of registers, and the expansion of each singer’s range. Also addressed are posture, vocal health, and the art of singing with others. Emphasis is placed on solfège and sight singing, and basic theory topics are covered. Singers are expected to practice their music outside of rehearsal. All singers perform in events such as Family Weekend, Winter Choral Concert, the All-School Music Concert, and other school functions. Attendance at these performances is mandatory.

(Open to students in grades 9-12 by audition only. Limited to 16 singers. Auditions are held in June. This course may be repeated for credit. Full year, ½ credit.)

The Upper School Chorus is a large ensemble that sings a wide variety of musical styles, including classical, musical theatre, spirituals, contemporary popular music, and music from different cultures in various languages. Members of the Chorus do not need prior musical experience; the Chorus consists of students of varying musical abilities from beginner to advanced. Students are taught the basic principles of singing, including proper breathing and posture, and students receive training in reading music, sight-singing, and solfège. Students sing unison, two-, three-, and four-part music, both accompanied and a cappella. Class is held during the academic day, but there are performances at convocations and concerts throughout the school year. Attendance at many of these events, and the rehearsals leading up to them, is required. Students may enroll in this course over multiple years.

(Open to students in grades 9-12. Full year. ½ credit.)

Creating Character: An Intro to Acting and Directing 
Students study well-regarded acting techniques, such as Viewpoints movement and Linklater voice technique, to become more confident, flexible, and creative thinkers and performers. While learning the principles of movement, voice, character, and scene study for an actor, students work on audition and polished performance pieces. Interested students will learn directing skills while in this workshop mode, including crafting a vision for a play, interpreting text with actors, communicating with designers, and communicating ideas clearly to an audience. Themes and plays for the course alternate and cover a wide range of styles and genres, prompting students to engage with diverse voices and movements in theatre, which in turn open windows to our world in both the past and the present. Students may enroll in this course over multiple years in order to collaborate with a new cohort of artists, develop a portfolio of costume designs, and perform for a variety of audiences.

(Open to students in grades 9-12. Full year. ½ credit.)

Open to students in grades 9–12 with some technical theatre or dance experience, this course allows participants to fulfill their Trimester III Co-curricular requirement through a focused role in dance production. Production Assistants work closely with the Director of Dance, meeting one to two times weekly to facilitate the successful execution of the formal spring dance concert. All student responsibilities are specifically centered on the production of the concert, including costume coordination, drafting production announcements, and managing vital communications between the cast, crew, choreographers, and the Director of Dance. Through this role, students gain practical experience in the organizational and logistical elements required to bring a large-scale dance production to the stage.

(This course may be taken for Co-curricular credit in Trimester III only and only with permission of the Director of Dance.)

This course is the foundational level in our technique sequence, designed for students with minimal to no prior dance experience. This course builds essential technical skills while fostering an appreciation for dance as a multifaceted art form through a comprehensive physical practice including barre work, center warm-ups, strength and conditioning, flexibility training, and dynamic across-the-floor combinations. Each week, students participate in at least one core session of Ballet, Jazz, or Modern, and at least one additional elective session in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap, or Hip-Hop; throughout the year, students will also be exposed to Lyrical, Contemporary, and Musical Theatre styles. Students may enroll for Performing Arts credit, which requires a full-year commitment, or for Co-curricular credit, which requires a trimester commitment, though a full year of participation is strongly encouraged. Performance opportunities include an informal fall showing and the annual formal spring concert, for which enrollment in both Trimesters II and III is required. To ensure mastery of foundational skills, students may remain at this level for more than one year and may re-enroll as determined by their individual progress and instructor recommendation.

(Open to students in grades 9-12. May be taken for Co-curricular or Performing Arts credit. If taken for Performing Arts credit, students must enroll for the full year to receive ½ credit.)

This course is the intermediate level in our technique sequence, designed for students with previous dance experience who are ready to further refine their technical skills and artistic awareness. This course builds upon established foundations through a rigorous physical practice including barre work, center warm-ups, strength and conditioning, flexibility training, and complex across-the-floor combinations. Each week, students participate in at least one core session of Ballet, Jazz, or Modern, and at least one additional elective session in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap, or Hip-Hop; throughout the year, students will also be exposed to Lyrical, Contemporary, and Musical Theatre styles. Students may enroll for Performing Arts credit, which requires a full-year commitment, or for Co-curricular credit, which requires a trimester commitment, though a full year of participation is strongly encouraged. Throughout the year, dancers may have the opportunity to showcase their progress in an informal fall dance showing and the annual formal dance concert in the spring. Participation in the spring concert requires enrollment in both Trimesters II and III. To ensure mastery of intermediate skills, students may remain at this level for more than one year, depending on their individual progress, and may re-enroll as determined by the instructor.

(Open to students in grades 9-12. May be taken for Co-curricular or Performing Arts credit. If taken for Performing Arts credit, students must enroll for the full year to receive ½ credit.)

This course is the advanced level in our technique sequence, offering fast-paced instruction tailored for students with a strong dance background and high technical proficiency. This course challenges dancers through a sophisticated physical practice including advanced barre work, center conditioning, and intricate across-the-floor choreography designed to elevate performance and creative expression. Each week, students participate in a required core session of Ballet and at least one additional elective session in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap, or Hip-Hop; to enrich their artistry, students will also explore Lyrical, Contemporary, and Musical Theatre. Students may enroll for Performing Arts credit, which requires a full-year commitment, or for Co-curricular credit, which requires a trimester commitment, though a full year of participation is strongly encouraged. In addition to performances in the fall showing and spring concert, Dance III students may be invited by the Director of Dance to participate in the Dance Repertory Group. Participation in the spring concert requires enrollment in both Trimesters II and III. To further broaden their experience, guest artists are occasionally invited to lead master classes, and students may re-enroll in this level over multiple years to continue their advanced development.

(Open to students in grades 9-12. May be taken for Co-curricular or Performing Arts credit. If taken for Performing Arts credit, students must enroll for the full year to receive ½ credit.)

This audition-based course is a dance composition and performance ensemble designed for advanced dancers. The curriculum focuses on mastering compositional tools for creating original choreography and developing professional performance skills, culminating in the production of both informal and formal dance concerts throughout the year. Students in this ensemble gain experience in the individual and collaborative creative process and occasionally have the opportunity to perform in works created by guest choreographers. Enrollment in Dance Repertory Group requires simultaneous year-long enrollment in Dance III, including weekly participation in Ballet III, Jazz III, and Modern III. Students may re-enroll in this course over multiple years to continue their artistic growth and leadership within the ensemble.

(This course may be taken for Performing Arts credit. Open to students in grades 9-12, and with permission of the Director of Dance. Full year. ½ credit.)

The Fall Play is a theatrical production that varies in style from year to year. Students audition to be an actor in the production or sign up for a technical theatre position. Each production offers challenging roles for experienced performers and ensemble parts. Students learn about the process of making theatre as they create a performance for the school community and the public. Performances are open to the public.

5th Grade Dance is an exploratory, movement-centered class in which students use guided improvisation and structured movement tasks to develop confidence, focus, and ensemble skills. Students investigate fundamental movement concepts such as shape, space, dynamics, and spatial awareness, with an emphasis on creativity, problem-solving, and intentional movement. The course supports physical coordination, creative thinking, collaboration, and self-expression and serves as a foundation for future dance study.

(This course meets once per week, during the school day, for one trimester.)

Dance Workshop is a creative, ensemble-based course that introduces students to foundational movement concepts through exploration, collaboration, and performance, while building community and confidence through shared creative projects. Students develop body awareness, musicality, and expressive intent as they learn how dances are created, practiced, and shared with an audience, with an emphasis on creativity, cooperation, and thoughtful reflection.

Students gain an understanding of the key elements of theater: focus, imagination, collaboration, and communication. Culminating projects, including workshopping plays and scene work develop an appreciation for the creative process.

In this theatre workshop, students engage in character driven, collaborative projects. Through explorations of theatre terminology, superstitions, costume design, and playwriting, students develop a clearer understanding of how a play is created from concept to performance. 

Students focus on stage direction, acting, and scene design. Each student directs a scene from contemporary dramatic literature. Activities include individual and group acting and directing exercises, individual and group in-class performances, peer response sessions, and  viewing and discussion of performance clips from notable directors.

Artistic creativity and hands-on work combine in this introductory course, which explores the backstage world of theater. Students will investigate areas of production and design from both a practical and a theoretical base. Students will be given the opportunity to learn about theater and shop safety, scenic design fundamentals and set construction, technical aspects and basic operation of lighting technology, basic operation of sound technology, scenic painting, and props. Demonstrations and discussion will be an essential part of the class. 

In this class, students will be learning about musical theater and its importance as an art form. Students will learn about the history of musical theater and be able to view excerpts of various shows starting with early examples all the way up to the current popular shows. Various styles and musical characteristics of particular musicals will be explored and discussed with the chance for students to learn specific songs both as an ensemble member as well as a soloist.
Some basic singing technique and music reading will be covered and will culminate in an informal performance at the end of the trimester.

This course invites students to explore dance as a form of creative expression, communication, and interpretation. Students develop foundational skills in choreography, movement exploration, collaboration, and performance while learning how dancers generate ideas and make artistic choices. Students practice observing, reflecting, and responding to artistic material through movement, strengthening their ability to connect ideas, emotions, and intention to physical expression. Emphasis is placed on creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and thoughtful decision-making, helping students grow as confident movers and reflective young artists.

The 5th and 6th students come together to form this choral group. The Chorus sings a variety of music while learning about breathing, intonation, and reading music. Chorus performs throughout the academic year, including a featured performance in the annual Revels production.

(This course meets twice per week for the full year.) 
 

The 5th and 6th grade string ensemble is open to violinists, violists, cellists, and double bassists with at least one year of experience and the ability to read sheet music. Under the Music School strings faculty leadership, the ensemble learns and performs works flexibly arranged and tailored to accommodate varying playing levels and instrumentation. This develops technique, musicianship, teamwork, and ensemble skills by exploring and playing repertoire that ranges in genres and styles, from the Western classical music tradition to the present day. Students hone their skills in performance, leadership and ear-training. Students should be supported by private lessons on their instrument in addition to the ensemble, at Dana Hall School of Music or outside of Dana Hall.

This year-long ensemble meets once per week for 45 minutes, after the Middle School co-curricular block. (Additional tuition required.)

MS Fall Play
During the first trimester, students in Grades 5-12 have the chance to join the cast of the Fall Play. Through a series of exercises, games, and scene work, participants will enhance their understanding of character development, emotions, and stage presence. The cast convenes daily for rehearsals, affording everyone the opportunity to refine their acting abilities, collaborate with fellow actors, and work towards a common goal. The program culminates in performances showcased both during school for the entire Middle School and audience and in an evening performance. 

MS Winter Musical
Each year a new musical is chosen and is a collaboration among the theater, dance, and music departments. Just like the Fall Play, the musical is presented to the entire Middle School during the day and an evening performance, both with a live band. Participating in the Winter Musical allows students to express themselves, foster new friendships, and craft memories that will last a lifetime. 

Technical Theatre
In technical theater, students bring the magic of the stage to life, from lights and sound to stage management and prop design. Technical Theater thrives on teamwork and communication, making it a collaborative effort where creativity can flourish. Joining the tech crew for the MS Fall Play or MS Winter Musical offers a chance to learn valuable skills and play a vital role in the production.

In this class, students will learn beginning piano technique on keyboards with the goal of being able to play melody and harmony with both hands. Basic piano skills will include proper hand position, scales and chord progressions in major and minor keys. With basic technical exercises,  students play and read through repertoire pieces. Students will learn solo repertoire for short informal performances IN class at the end of each trimester and are encouraged to learn pieces both by ear and also through reading notation. 

Chorus is a performance ensemble that sings a variety of music ranging from folk songs to musical theatre pieces to neo-classical arrangements. Intonation and music theory are key elements of this ensemble.

The Dragon Fire Brass Ensemble is a musical group made up of trumpets, trombones, and tubas. Prior experience on brass instruments is not required. Beginners are welcome and encouraged! Students in this ensemble will learn the intricacies of playing a brass instrument of their choosing, read musical notation, and work together on exercises and pieces, culminating in performances throughout the year.

(Additional tuition required.)
 

Violinists, violists, cellists, and double bassists with 2+ years of experience and the ability to read sheet music come together as a dynamic performance ensemble. Under the Music School strings faculty leadership, the ensemble learns and performs works flexibly arranged and tailored to accommodate varying playing levels and instrumentations. This develops their technique, musicianship, teamwork, and ensemble skills by exploring and playing repertoire that ranges in genres and styles, from the Western classical music tradition to the present day. Meeting and rehearsing twice a week, students hone their skills in performance, leadership and ear-training. In addition to the ensemble, students should be supported by private lessons on their instrument at Dana Hall School of Music or outside of Dana Hall. Performance opportunities include events such as Family Weekend, Middle School Informal Showings, and collaborative music department events, and additional school performances.

(Informal audition required. Additional tuition required.)  
 

This ensemble does not require any previous ukulele experience or ability to read notation; it is geared towards beginners. Students will learn how to read standard music notation as well as tablature. They will learn to tune their ukuleles, play scales, read and play a melodic line, and read and strum several different chords. Students will work both as a large ensemble and in smaller chamber ensembles, culminating in projects on songs of their own choosing. For these small group projects, students will create their own arrangements, decide how the melodic line is played or sung and invent their own strum patterns. This ensemble performs in the All-School Music Concert the 3rd or 4th Thursday in May as well as Informal Showings and class recitals throughout the year.

The Student-Directed Play is an entirely student-run theatrical production, with the support of the Director of Theater. Through an application process, students will be chosen to fill the positions of director, technical director, production manager, and stage manager. This team will facilitate the audition, casting, and rehearsal process. The cast and crew will explore the logistics of staging a full-length production, resulting in a performance in front of an audience.

Technology and artistic creativity combine in this course. We explore the challenges and rewards of designing scenery, props, lighting, costumes, projection, and live and recorded sound, culminating in work on the Upper School Play, the Dance Concert,  the Upper School Musical, and the Student-Directed Play. Following initial instruction in the skills involved, students become members of the Tech Crew for their choice of Upper School shows, as well as lighting designers for the Dance Concert. The course is practical, offering opportunities for hands-on experience with professional equipment in the theatre and building tools available in the scene shop. Students may enroll in this course over multiple years.

(Open to students in grades 9-12. Full year. ½ credit.)

The Upper School Musical show selection aims to expose students to a range of musical and dance styles. Students audition to be an actor in the production or sign up for a technical theatre position. Each production offers challenging roles for experienced performers and ensemble parts. Students learn about the process of making theatre as they create a performance for the school community and the public. Performances are open to the public.